Postdoctoral Research Fellow -Arthropod Microbiome Research at icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health

Overall purpose of the job
Reporting to the Head of Environmental Health Theme, the successful applicant will be responsible for: 

•  Exploring symbiont biodiversity, functionality, and complexity in arthropods contributing to ecosystem services (including pollinators, edible insects, and natural enemies) and impacting on their pest/vector status.
•  Developing predictive capabilities of microbiome function in relation to arthropods and their effects in a wide range of environments.
•  Conducting multidisciplinary and integrative analysis of microbiome functions and their interactions with host and environment within the context of One Health.

Specific duties
The successful candidate is expected to:

•  Use cutting-edge sequencing and bioinformatic techniques to assess the biodiversity of microbiomes associated with arthropods.
•  Assess co-diversification and interactions between arthropods, their primary symbionts, their secondary facultative symbionts, and their gut microbiota.
•  Test transfer of symbionts between arthropod species and the role of host genes in regulating symbiosis in addition to coordination of gene expression and content between symbiont and host.
•  Assess the role of symbionts in cytoplasmic incompatibility, fitness, behaviour and paternal transmission of natural enemies.
•  Investigate the molecular mechanisms underpinning these phenotypes using a variety of techniques (RNAseq, proteomics and microbial genetics).
•  Decipher the functions of gut microbiome in arthropods, their metabolites on nutritional status, and their interaction with diet.
•  Explore the gain/loss of microbe-host association in arthropods in relation to phylogenetic history and correlate with internal and external environmental changes.
•  Assess changes in gut microbiomes in relation to changes in biotic or abiotic factors (e.g. invasion, climate and host plants) and their impact on ecosystem service contribution.
•  Develop standards, protocols, and reference materials for the microbiome research and development at icipe.

Requirements/qualifications

•  PhD in Entomology, with expertise in insect microbiome research.
•  Proven track record in the area of beneficial insect health research for development, as demonstrated by publication record.
•  Evidence of securing external funding to support research..
•  Ability to create and foster an innovative work environment, and team building to deliver on agreed goals.
•  High degree of organisation, adaptability, and prioritisation.
•  Skills in behavioural assays, electrophysiology, mass spectrometry, molecular techniques and working with beekeeper/sericulture farmers.
•  Excellent publication track record.
•  Experience in capacity building through mentorship of MSc and undergraduate students.
•  Excellent communication skills.

Reporting
This position reports to the Head of Environmental Health Theme.